In January 2024, the situation on the stock markets was full of interesting developments. The S&P 500 index reached its highest level since January 2022 in January and was close to its all-time high, signalling a high level of overboughtness and the possible need for a correction. However, the start of the year was a losing one for US equities, with the S&P 500 index writing off 1.5% after strong gains in the previous two months.
A significant trend in the markets is the growing dominance of technology companies, which often outperform traditional Dow Jones stocks. This trend is influencing investor behaviour as they seek higher returns and are exposed to the rapidly changing information that is spreading digitally around the world. As a result, it is crucial for investors in 2024 to be well informed and to analyse the markets regularly and in detail.
The word "AI" (artificial intelligence) is becoming increasingly trendy, impacting not only the technology sector but also the broader spectrum of markets where new opportunities and challenges are emerging. The performance of companies, particularly technology companies, is being closely monitored as it has the potential to influence the overall direction of markets.
In this dynamic environment, it is clear that traditional investment approaches need to adapt to new technologies and rapidly changing market conditions, as markets are increasingly failing to reflect reality. For example, the Suez Canal, which we have written about - link. Then there is the conflict in Israel, the conflict in Ukraine and the nervousness around Taiwan. In our experience, the market likes to remain irrational at times, but in the end, reality meets the candles on the chart, and we are prepared for that.